Himeji Castle and Katana Making with English Guide

Walk on the same wooden floors that samurai stepped on and immerse yourself in one of the most well-preserved feudal-era castles in Japan. Visit the Japanese Garden Koko-en and witness a demonstration of Katana-making by an authentic Japanese swordsmith. In this tour, we will discover Japanese traditions by visiting the following spots:

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 400 years of history, affectionately known as the “White Heron Castle,” with an experienced English-speaking guide.

Koko-en, a traditional Japanese garden, with the guidance of a specialized garden expert.

Rakan no Sato in Aioi City, where we will have the opportunity to observe the process of authentic Japanese sword making.

A word about the Bus:
Yui Prima Olivia is a unique luxury bus in all of Japan! Check out more details in the ‘more info’ section!

Walk on the same wooden floors that samurai stepped and immerse in one of the most well-preserved feudal-era castles in Japan! Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also known as Shirasagi-jo or the “White Heron Castle” for its resemblance to a heron spreading its wings. It has over 400 years of history and survived also during World War 2! With an impressive defense system, Himeji Castle is designed as a maze of paths with numerous wooden gates that ultimately lead to the hilltop main building. Walk along these paths and admire the imposing structure of the castle, as well as the loopholes on the walls for archers! There will be plenty of spots to take pictures.
Upon arrival at the entrance, you will need to take off your shoes and place them in a bag provided by the staff before entering the building.
Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who will help you fully understand and appreciate the experience.

Koko-en is a Japanese garden located next to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Himeji Castle. It was opened in 1992 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Himeji becoming a municipality. However, the area in which it was constructed has a longer history. In fact, excavations revealed that the garden is situated on the ground where feudal lords had their residences!
Spanning approximately 33,000 square meters, Koko-en is divided into different areas connected by paths of rocks, bridges, and wooden corridors.
Inside, you can also admire various architectural structures, including a traditional tea house called Shoji-an. During your exploration of the garden, you will be accompanied by a special guide who will provide detailed explanations about techniques of garden building and legends abou the location.

【Rakan no Sato・Authentic Kataka Making】
The occupation of a Japanese swordsmith has a history of over 1000 years. Japanese katana swords were originally weapons, but many Japanese people regarded them as works of art.
Hayamitsu Kikyo, a swordsmith with over 20 years of experience, shares that he has yet to create the perfect sword.
You are welcome to visit his workshop and witness the process of “forging,” in which steel is heated to temperatures of approximately 1300℃ and meticulously hammered, stretched, and folded.
Mr. Kikyo will explain the entire sword-making process (which typically lasts one year), the differences between Western swords and Japanese katana swords, and the unique charms of the Japanese katana.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• We recommend arriving 10 minutes before departure at the meeting point in Himeji.
• Please be aware that if you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour mid-way.
• We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.
• The vehicle used is a luxury bus designed by the famous industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. The interior is made of wood materials, to recreate the essence of Japanese harmony and aesthetics.
• Our bus has 21 seats. The seat pitch, which is the distance from your seat to the one in front of you, is 50 centimeters (approximately 19.7 inches).
• Selected skilled bus driver.
• English-speaking service attendant on board.
• Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 21 years old and above. Minor travelers below 21 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
• Please note that the total duration of the trip includes the travel time.
• Please be aware that the return time is an estimate and may vary depending on traffic conditions along the way.
• Foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated in the trunk of the bus.
• For security reasons, only passengers who are able to walk up the bus stairs and to their seats autonomously can participate in the tour.
• Please note that there are steep stairs inside Himeji Castle, and visitors will need moderate mobility to access them.
• Please note that only one large luggage (20-23 kg) per person can be stored in the bus trunk. You may carry your small bags with you to your seat.

• Himeji Castle and Katana Making with English Guide
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• Selected Local Japanese Sake (only on board)
• Spacious bus
• USB plugs on board
• Amenities
• Himeji Castle English Speaking Guide
• A blanket per person (upon request)

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

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• This Tour is Provided by LIMON and Yui Olivia.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 6 Travelers is accepted for booking.